I’m a special education teacher (taking a gap year), which is the most challenging and rewarding job I’ve ever had. Previously I was an entrepreneur… owned my own graphic design company, wedding officiating company, and worked as a freelance writer, art teacher, and illustrator.

I’m excited to get back out into the world to do what I love - make art, make music, meet interesting people, make a difference through community organizing for causes I care about, travel to beautiful new places using as low of a carbon footprint as possible, and enjoy nature.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As a traveler, it has been so enriching to stay with people in their homes and communities. For me, the richest travel is rootsy, authentic travel, and Couchsurfing is such a great way to do that.

Interests

I grew up with horses and near the ocean, so those two interests have always been dear to me. I’m also a nerd for geology, geopolitics, social justice, and sustainability.

Sharing vegetarian meals, comedy, connection, laughter, community, service, beauty, art, gardens, hiking, rollerskating, wildcrafting, local food, cultural exchange, education, kayaking, surfing, sailing, mountain biking, hotsprings, travel, making and writing music, yoga, snowboarding, allyship to causes I care deeply about, including support of the LGBTQIA+ community, a free Palestine, anti-fascism, social justice causes, environmental and humanitarian causes, always learning, and committed to health and wellness.

• horses
• surfing
• sailing
• travel
• art

Music, Movies, and Books

Music I’m currently digging: Cradle by Starling Arrow and El Bueno y El Malo, by Los Hermanos Gutiérrez. Also, José Gonzalés’ new album, Local Valley is gorgeous. Lido Pimienta is my favorite. ✨

Book I recently liked: Thunder Song - Essays by Coast Salish writer/poet/activist/punk, Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe

Movie and Shows: Outlander, Broad City, Schitt’s Creek, Queer Eye, The Office for shows. The best movie I’ve seen recently was “Maudie” about Nova Scotia artist Maud Lewis.

I listen to a lot of geopolitical and anarchist podcasts.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'm pretty fond of the memory of flying in a hot air balloon with my father over Cappadocia, Turkey at sunrise.

Teach, Learn, Share

I taught art for years, so love to support people in getting creative. I also really love to cook vegetarian dishes and have a green thumb in the garden.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A delicious meal, a cup of coffee, an icecream cone, great conversation, a hike, laughs, and an empathetic, listening ear.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Chile, China, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, United States